China Warns Philippines as South China Sea Tensions Escalate
China warns the Philippines against escalating South China Sea tensions, while both governments pledge to maintain dialogue amid a growing diplomatic dispute.
Choose Clash Report as a preferred source and see our reporting first in Top Stories.
China has warned the Philippines to exercise caution over the South China Sea dispute, as a series of diplomatic confrontations raises tensions between Beijing and Manila.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered the warning during a November 3 telephone conversation with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro.
According to China's Foreign Ministry, Wang accused certain Philippine politicians of undermining bilateral relations and crossing Beijing's red lines through their public statements.
He urged Manila to restrain inflammatory rhetoric and adopt a consistent approach toward China.
The warning followed a diplomatic dispute sparked by Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, who said Beijing could easily prevail in a military confrontation with the Philippines but preferred a peaceful resolution.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described the ambassador's remarks as threatening, while several lawmakers called for his expulsion.
Despite the dispute, Lazaro characterized her conversation with Wang as constructive, saying both sides agreed to maintain diplomatic engagement and manage disagreements through mutual respect.
The two countries also discussed the possible resumption of negotiations on joint oil and gas exploration at Reed Bank, a contested maritime area within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
China claims much of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting the legal basis for its expansive maritime claims.
The latest diplomatic exchange comes amid recurring confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in disputed waters.
Choose Clash Report as a preferred source and see our reporting first in Top Stories.